Middle School Astronomy offers the hierarchy of the universe, stars, planets, moons/satellites, the sun, and patterns in space. Each unit offers a variety of investigative, exploratory and cooperative lessons that engage students in becoming active learners. Correlated to state standards, the lessons incorporated within this course are designed to allow students to become involved in scientific inquiry and discovery. Through incorporating a variety of reading strategies, students will apply scientific concepts to real-life situations. In order to facilitate classroom implementation, teachers receive a pacing guide, comprehensive daily lesson plans, overhead masters, PowerPoint presentations and assessment material to ensure student mastery of the science content.

Through the Astronomy unit, students investigate the hierarchy of the universe, stars, planets, moons/satellites, the sun, and patterns in space. Students will also utilize math, language arts and graphing skills during this unit.

Coupled with in-depth scientific investigations, this course provides strategies and techniques that foster sound pedagogical methods that highlight the importance of reading in the science curriculum. This comprehensive resource provides extensive student-centered activities along with detailed lesson descriptions and necessary resources. The course provides support for the new and out-of-assignment teacher while enhancing the experienced science teacher’s repertoire of resources.

Table of Contents:

1. Hierarcy of the Universe
2. Formation of the Universe
3. Galaxies
4. Classification of Stars
5. Life Cycle of Stars
6. Light Pollution

7. Formation of the Solar System
8. The Planets
9. Orbits of the Planets
10. The Sun
11. The Moon

Course materials cover a full year with daily support for all aspects of instruction. The Teacher’s Edition includes a syllabus; correlation to standards; pacing guide; daily lesson plans; teacher’s workbook; CD with daily class notes in PDF (for use as color overheads) and/or PowerPoints; complete assessments. Classroom sets includes 25 Student Workbooks and Teacher Edition with CD. After purchase of Teacher’s Edition, additional Student Workbooks are available for individual purchase. Click here for details.